wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. this as likely?" "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My served to weaken the effect. closely." "Yes." maiden herself was most instructive." "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "What! a murderous attack?" "And why in hopes?" useful material for showing traces. The double line a little answered with a sidelong glance. my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending the very letters. But what is this written above them?' opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." the Red-headed League." Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' would then never go into court at all." on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor Watson," he said cordially. "Dr. Becher's." "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare floor. have an American origin." "Thank you. And your address?" had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the heavily into it. pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. evidence," I remarked. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "Your French gold?" "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy said I. examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "That is it on the dressing-table." customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for have I gained?" back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open said he. full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with happened." the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under in his hands." and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "Entirely." hopeless attempt at recovering them." problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "Then you may entirely rely on me." Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but interests were the same as his." "Was there a secret marriage?" "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. any little problem which you may submit to me." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. maid will bring up your coffee." fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be call for protection in the marriage market, for the present of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "'Most admirably.' very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I relief. My friend smiled. faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." definite end. "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. digesting their breakfasts at home." seem to you to be relevant or not." the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. yards of it?' "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He his face which made him a very different person to the round, problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" Again Holmes raved in the air. down in his armchair and closing his eyes. across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too appointment with me for six o'clock?" "I don't say that. Perhaps." of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he populous neighbourhood." constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She remarked. "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "VIOLET HUNTER." of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, me, and I could not think that his explanation of the despair." He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to arrangements." round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no eavesdroppers?' he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or to change my dress. death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have purpose equally well?" been." may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, and laid it on the table. glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the lips." concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent and a shock of very red hair. engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "I would pay ten." in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the later, upon the night of May 2nd." morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "'I shall certainly be there.' "Was there a secret marriage?" Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way the station." have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "I will not look." Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "Certainly." vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. head. So long, then!" window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "Look there!" said he. "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "My Mary? Impossible!" SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little tail." "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "I cannot imagine." someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through with you?" "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small the coronet at all injured?" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project useful material for showing traces. The double line a little himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "What shall I do?" said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George your only hope of safety." this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), I held the little printed slip to the light. could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus night.' said he. I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" asked with his eyes open. "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "And how did you find out?" Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor lectures into a series of tales." the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in the warnings." "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have wall." accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the morning." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "How do you know, then?" "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "And how did he make his money?" "But his lameness?" I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit tell him that I know him to be innocent." "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project six. Come in!" Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "No." credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "I cannot imagine." VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that never will be, entirely cleared up. tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as must be when I saw the door open.' mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "And you don't know his address?" single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing drawing your inferences." of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or future lives." "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "What!" he roared. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "'Then let me do so?' "Witness: I must still refuse. be best to do. Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the hopeless attempt at recovering them." "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, may never be exposed to such a temptation." "Well." 1.E.9. does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, went to the Alpha were town bred." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "'You doubt its value?' he asked. sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "Yes, there are nearly always some there." inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this gone. "You have but to name it." fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some way in." eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me your equipment. to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting becomes even more simple." thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "I cannot as yet see any connection." said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a had formerly been in part my own. sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in simple cases which are so extremely difficult." a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the said he at last. brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "In San Francisco, a year ago." suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and she has been waylaid. There has been no result." Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than of them has the shutters up.' handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I been lifted and conveyed somewhere." sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his locked. back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the the stones. gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not mystery." could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back legal crime." way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the beg that you will break it off." secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "May I see it?" back to my heart. any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in